Attack on Rabbavul Airfield Pt1

Shortly after lunch, maybe a three hours after the Gladiators lost connection with control, the steady drone of aircraft engines announced the approach of the Nipoor assault. Zero fighters swooped and dived, strafing the aircraft on the ground. Somehow, a lone Gladiator cleared the hedge and buzzed away, hugging the ground but the other aircraft on the runway were soon smoking wrecks as Val dive bombers joined the attack. Several small bombs scattered across the runway, one hitting the barracks and control offices. The gun crews survived the initial attack, keeping well down in the emplacement on the airfield while the guard tower sent out bursts of fruitless machine gun fire in response.

As the sound of aircraft receded, motors could be heard as Nipoor light tanks began to move in. Short on fuel, the Hardic vehicles were waiting for a delivery that would be covered by their left wing under Lance Corporal Mick Sims.

The first two Nipoor squads moved onto Bayliss Ridge while the third seized Windward Hill and established a PAK38 artillery piece in place.

 Meanwhile, the Hardic forces were rushing to get into defensible positions before it was too late.  The 2pdr gun took a couple of pots at the light tanks as they crossed the ridge but all that it managed was to kick up a shower of mud and stones.

While Sims and his men went cautiously along the wall, using it for cover, Lieutenant Pryce Parker made a swift advance from Telfer's Farm into the airfield grounds.

Meanwhile, the light tanks made a rapid advance, using the lines of hedge and wire to partially conceal them as they moved in using light and heavy mounted machine guns. Hardic casualties went down under the fire although the tower held up well. Mortar fire rained down on the gunnery position causing further casualties although not in the guard tower which was holding its own.

The ambulance crew were being kept busy as more men went down wounded from gremades launched by Nipoor mortars and from raking machine gun fire. An lmg opened up from the East foxhole, bullets pinging off the barbed wire.

As the Nipoor troops advanced, the 2pdr was hit causing light damage and another crew member went down with shrapnel wounds.  Only Pryce Parker was still advancing blithely, urging his men on with words to inspire a fight against the enemy.

From the command tank, Major Yamada gave the order; "move to Phase 2".